The culprit in this food poisoning incident has been identified as clostridium perfringens, #3 in the Food Poisoning Department.

The deadly outbreak over the first weekend in May also sickened 42 other patients and 12 staff members. The cause of the outbreak was traced to improperly stored chicken salad served at the facility that was infected with the third most common form of food poisoning — clostridium perfringens. The investigations found serious deficiencies in dietary services and concerns with the overall operation of the hospital, according to the release.

According to the article, investigations conducted by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals found the hospital had what were termed “unacceptable process and management issues”.

Ken Portal, a current member of the administrative state of Southeastern Louisiana State Hospital, has been named interim administrator at Central Louisiana State Hospital.

“The staff at CLSH was cooperative, and I’m grateful for that. But I have seen enough evidence of unacceptable performance that I am convinced major changes are necessary. Basic policies were not followed. Staff was not properly educated. The findings across the board raise real concerns related to overall management that go beyond the food service area.”

So says Alan Levine, Department of Health and Hospitals Secretary.

The hospital’s kitchen is closed, and the patients are being fed curtesy of Pinecrest Supports and Services, also located in Pineville. Let’s hope their menu is a little more palatable, in more ways than one, than general state hospital fare.